Get to know Viesca

The solitary charm of Viesca, located in the south of the state of Coahuila, has earned it a place in the Pueblos Magicos (“Magical Towns”) program since 2012. Distant more than 40 kilometers ( 25 miles ) from the nearest city and 70 kilometers ( 43 miles ) from Torreón, it is a quiet and pleasant place.

 

Although it is a small town of about 3,500 inhabitants, it has survived many threats of becoming a ghost town, it has a great history and the love of its people that sustains it, even if they have to make a living far away. Thus, on its coat of arms it bears the meaningful phrase: We will always rise.

 

Viesca is a place rich in history, since it is the house where Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla passed through in 1811 during his escape from the viceroy's army, at the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. Years later, President Benito Juárez used it as a lodging place from where he issued a decree, while Lazaro Cardenas stayed at the Exhacienda de Santa Ana de Hornos.

 

Viesca was founded on July 24, 1731, and although its name has changed several times, the current one honors José María Viesca y Montes, the first governor of Coahuila and Texas.

 

For several years, Viesca's economy revolved around the salt factory located on the outskirts of town that closed its doors in 1990, forcing many to move to other locations in search of work. Today, agriculture and the maquiladoras that have been set up in the surrounding area provide a livelihood for the population. For example, date production in the area has been successful for some time now.

 

But there is also the tourism that arrives interested in the amazing landscape of the dunes of Bilbao and discover the rest of the attractions that Viesca has that makes visitors fall in love with it.